Comparison of Mental Health Issues between Male and Female Prison Officers

Abstract

Background: Prison officers play a crucial role in supervising and caring for the inmates in the correctional system. Chinese correctional officers were observed having depression and anxiety. Due to the dearth of studies in the literature related to mental health issues among correctional officers and to have a comprehensive understanding of gender differences among prison officers. The present study aims to investigate mental health issues between male and female prison officers. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study design conducted at Central Prison, Shivamogga, Karnataka. 42 prison officers (21 male and 21 female) were administered the depression, anxiety and stress scale to understand the difference in mental health status between male and female prison officers. Results: The present study observed a significant difference in stress between male and female prison officers. Conclusion: The current research concludes that male prison officers working at prisons undergo a lot of stress dealing with prisoners who mostly possess antisocial personalities. Additionally, counselling and providing awareness about mental health are some of the ways to reduce the stress of the prison officers.